Kep Mountain Lodge: when synchronicity meets simplicity
Wild Flower and Nomads Journey, Cambodia 2017
It was an extremely humid afternoon as myself and Nomad, (Nicki, a friend from home in Australia who joined me for part of my journey) set off on foot to explore the local Kep Butterfly Garden. Situated in the small town of Kep in beautiful Cambodia.
Nomad, being the map maestro already had our route figured out. As we started on the path towards the jungle, Nomad’s eyes were lit, she has a glow about her, every time nature is near she is home. I love that, when she walks across the land she is literally gliding, her footing seems to merge with the earth as if it remembers her. It’s a sight that must be seen to be believed.
I walk cautiously behind Nomad, as we pass grazing cows, locals on bikes, old French colonial buildings covered in beautiful vines, the remains (a reminder we were told) of a very violent past, resting in its beautiful decay.
As we continued to walk towards the seemingly dense jungle, our faces began to drip sweat from every pore. We laughed at each other as our eyes started to sting from the sunscreen that was now seeping from our foreheads into our eyes. Stingy, sweaty goodness.
Understandably, our pace had now slowed as the humidity intensified. We began to hum silly songs together and despite our now sweat saturated clothes, we both glanced at each other and our surroundings and gave a silent nod of absolute approval.
Nomad and I are lovers of nature, some of our best moments together back home were always when we felt free, surrounded by tress and animals, where the stresses of everyday life seem to melt away.
A good 20 maybe 30 minutes later, we reached the Kep Butterfly Garden. The premises are immaculately maintained. As you enter, the plethora of plants with the jungle backdrop and butterflies instantly offers a sense of oneness, of pure peace. Exactly the type of memories Nomad and I set out to make.
We were greeted by a lady who (presumably) maintains the premises, we try our best to communicate with her in the limited Khmer we know, she seems to respond with an appreciation for our efforts in the form of a cheeky smile.There is no fee to enter the garden, just a guestbook to sign in and a voluntary donation.
Khmer people are extremely friendly, they work hard and are very proud bunch of people. This lady was no exception, allowing us to to explore the garden in complete privacy.
We went our separate ways, admiring the stunning butterflies and attempting to capture the beauty with our cameras. An attempt that I must say simply cannot be captured by photography alone. However, Nomad does an amazing job.
After a relaxing hour or so we both decided it was time for an icy cold drink. We made our exit slowly, admiring the setting one last time before enduring the journey back to our accommodation.
As if the mountains had read our minds, a sign that read “cold drinks, Kep Mountain Lodge this way” appeared, we didn't have to think twice about following the sign. What could possibly go wrong? we’re in the Cambodian jungle simply following our gut and our thirst.
As we made our way onto the property we were greeted by a bunch of super friendly dogs and local Khmer staff. An instant feeling of relaxation and homeliness washed over us. Scott ( the owner) greeted us with open arms and handed us a menu.
We ordered ice cold water and iced coffee with sweet milk, an absolute favorite of ours in Cambodia, seriously, get on that stuff! it’s the bomb diggity.
We sat in comfy chairs in the company of Scott and the dogs and chatted as if he had known each other for years. Covering everything from our personal paths that led us to travel, to our love of nature and simplicity.
The open air kitchen, comfy seats, fresh jungle AND sea views combined with adorable dogs (who smothered us in kisses) made for a heartfelt entrance.
I was naturally intrigued by the stunning bungalows that caught my eye nearby, Scott offered to show me the inside without hesitation. Mud brick structures with all the simple yet elegant and rustic touches one could ask for a stay in such a stunning place.
We knew instantly that we would be back here at some point.
A few days later, the memory of Kep Mountain Lodge hadn’t left us. We were staying in a hotel in the local town and felt the whisper of the jungle in our ears, urging us to explore some more. We decided to once again follow our gut. We called Scott, who was thrilled we had called, he promptly organized an overnight stay.
After checking in and chatting each other’s ears off again (seriously we got along so well conversation was always easy), Nomad and I decided to explore the local National Park which backs right onto the property. The dogs happily navigated the way up with us as we made our way to the lookout.
The jungle was lush, dense and full of life. Monkeys were hidden within the trees but well and truly making themselves known with calls to each other to warn of our presence. Birds and insects creating what can only be described as a symphony rendering us speechless.
After an hour or so we reached a great viewing point, unfortunately the dark clouds hinted a storm brewing and we thought best to make our way back to avoid being caught in a mudslide for the hike back down to the lodge.
After a relaxing shower in our beautiful mosaic bathroom, we sat on the veranda of our bungalow enjoying the views of pure serenity. A lovely unwind from our hike. Once again we exchanged silent, yet deep nods, a common part of our travels together.
I remained seated here for a long while, completely relaxed and in my element. With such a variety of plants and mountains surrounding me my breathing was calm, my body seemed to merge in my seat as if to say “ thank you”. I love it when this happens, usually its a sign I'm in a place of healing.
Eventually our tummies started to rumble, following the hunger call we made our way back to open air kitchen, we enjoyed a bottle of wine and continued our in depth conversations with Scott.
At this point I doubt anything could have stepped on our vibe, real conversation about real life just kept flowing, as if we were all home. Like old friends who had a whole life to catch up on.
Just when we thought it couldn't get any more homey, Scott’s wife La served up some seriously incredible food; traditional vegetarian Khmer curry and fresh spring rolls with prawns and vegetables, wait for it… picked that day from their patch. Trust me when I say this is a must. It is the type of food that is served with love and received with love.
La happily exchanged tips on our Khmer and we all laughed together discussing the cultural differences. Nomad seemed to have picked up really well on the language in her first week here, a welcome treat for me as I had struggled after two amazing months solo in Cambodia.
We ventured off to bed around midnight, a tad giggly from the wine, bellies full and completely relaxed. We slept soundly in our double bed bungalow together.
We woke up cleansed and refreshed (despite a slightly sore head from a few wines) and really didn't want to leave our new found slice of paradise.
Unfortunately we had other plans set, so we left with a wee tear in our eye as we were seen off by the pups, Scott and La, waving goodbye as we reluctantly set off on our tuk tuk for our impending bus journey back to Kampot.
Kep Mountain Lodge; a home away from home. The most welcoming hosts, the incredibly tranquil jungle setting and company of the beautiful pups make for a magical and unforgettable stay.
Sometimes you stumble across hidden gems, here you make connections that you will never forget. Synchronicity meeting simplicity at the perfect moment.
And the journey continues …..
Thanks to Mumma T Tre L. Loadholt x x
